Death Angel is often referred to as one of the key bands in the Bay Area thrash metal movement of the 1980s, and secured opening slots at club venues that decade, including opening for their peers Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Testament, Overkill, D.R.I., Mercyful Fate and Possessed. They are also often credited as one of the leaders of the second wave of thrash metal movement from the 1980s, and considered to be one of the "big eight" of the genre (along with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Exodus and Overkill), as well as one of the so-called "Big Six of Bay Area thrash metal" (alongside Exodus, Testament, Lååz Rockit, Forbidden and Vio-lence). Following the underground success of their first two studio albums, The Ultra-Violence (1987) and Frolic Through the Park (1988), Death Angel signed to Geffen Records in 1989, and released their only album for the label, Act III, the following year. While they were touring in support of Act III, then-drummer Andy Galeon was injured in a tour bus accident and needed more than a year to fully recover. This resulted in the band's break up in 1991. However, Death Angel reformed in 2001 (without original rhythm guitarist Gus Pepa) at the Thrash of the Titans benefit concert for Testament singer Chuck Billy. The band has since released six more albums, including Humanicide (2019), to which the title track gave Death Angel their first-ever Grammy Award nomination.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Angel
Studio albums
The Ultra-Violence (1987)
Frolic Through the Park (1988)
Act III (1990)
The Art of Dying (2004)
Killing Season (2008)
Relentless Retribution (2010)
The Dream Calls for Blood (2013)
The Evil Divide (2016)
Humanicide (2019)
Never Me
Death Angel Lyrics
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But you never know what's above you
Chances are when you're down and tired
It's a lack of what you need inside you
So they say if you play their game
Well you'll never have much to lose
It's the life they chose and and if you're one of those
Looking up
Looking out
So you claim that you're not the same
It's just a dead end old part of town
Why pan for gold when the water's cold
You might as well lay face down and drown
Then you play their game yet you cry for change
And you always seem to miss your turn
You let them make your bed rest your weary head
On a mattress that's been set to burn
Looking up
Looking out
Reaching in
Let it out
That will never be me
I will always be free
That will never be me
I will always be free
Looking up
Looking out
Reaching in
Let it out
Looking up
Looking out
Reaching in
Let it out
That will never be me
I will always be free
That will never be me
I will always be free
Raise your heads
Open eyes
Smash down walls
See the lies
See the lies
See the lies
See the lies
The lyrics of Death Angel's song "Never Me" suggest that it is possible to resist the societal pressure to conform and maintain one's individuality. The opening line, "All's quite now on the western front, but you never know what's above you," could be interpreted as the calm before the storm, implying that even when everything seems fine, there could be hidden dangers lurking around. The line "Chances are when you're down and tired, it's a lack of what you need inside," highlights the importance of inner strength and motivation when facing life's obstacles. The following lines speak of succumbing to societal pressure, and how conforming to their rules will not necessarily bring success or recognition. The line "You let them make your bed rest your weary head, on a mattress that's been set to burn," speaks of giving up and allowing others to control one's destiny to a point where one is destined for failure or destruction. The song closes with the message to break free from the chains of conformity, to "raise your heads, open eyes, smash down walls, see the lies."
One interesting aspect of "Never Me" is that while the lyrics appear to encourage rebellion against societal norms and expectations, the music is relatively straightforward and accessible to a broader audience. Death Angel is known for their thrash metal style, but this song's melody has a strong rock vibe, which may have attracted a wider audience. Another interesting fact is that the song's lyrics were co-written by guitarist Rob Cavestany and former Metallica guitarist Jason Newsted. Newsted reportedly sent the lyrics to Cavestany via fax, and the two collaborated on the song's final version. "Never Me" was the lead single from Death Angel's ninth studio album, "Humanicide," which was released in 2019. According to Cavestany, the song was inspired by the rise of social media and its effects on society, particularly with regard to individualism.
Line by Line Meaning
All's quite now on the western front
Everything is calm and peaceful in the present moment.
But you never know what's above you
Despite the calmness, there is always the possibility of danger and uncertainty looming ahead.
Chances are when you're down and tired
It's a lack of what you need inside you
When feeling down and exhausted, it's possible that one's inner self is not fulfilled and satisfied.
So they say if you play their game
Well you'll never have much to lose
It's the life they chose and if you're one of those
Well you'll never have much to prove
There is a belief that if you conform to society's expectations and follow the norm, then you won't face many risks or have to prove yourself.
Looking up
Looking out
Taking a moment to observe and focus on one's surroundings and potential obstacles.
So you claim that you're not the same
It's just a dead end old part of town
Why pan for gold when the water's cold
You might as well lay face down and drown
When feeling stagnant and stuck, it's easy to give up hope and become complacent, even if it means drowning in one's own misery.
Then you play their game yet you cry for change
And you always seem to miss your turn
You let them make your bed rest your weary head
On a mattress that's been set to burn
Despite trying to break free from stereotypes and expectations, it's easy to fall back into the same patterns and routines that lead to feeling trapped and hopeless.
Looking up
Looking out
Reaching in
Let it out
Encouraging introspection and taking action to make necessary changes.
That will never be me
I will always be free
That will never be me
I will always be free
Refusing to succumb to societal norms and expectations, choosing instead to remain true to oneself and live freely.
Raise your heads
Open eyes
Smash down walls
See the lies
See the lies
See the lies
See the lies
Encouraging others to break free from societal pressures and constraints, to be aware of falsehoods and preconceived notions, and to prioritize their authentic selves.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANDREW VICTOR GALEON, DENNIS A. PEPA, MARK OSEGUEDA, ROB CAVESTANY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind